The mission of the Chilmark Shellfish Deptment is to conserve, propagate shellfish in local town waters and enforce town shellfish regualtions.

The Shellfish Advisory Committee recommended, and the Selectmen approved, to open all areas for family/recreational Scallop shell fishing on October 1, 2009 at half a bushel a week.

The Shellfish Advisory Committee recommended, and the Selectmen approved, to open the commercial Scallop season on November 2, 2009 with a limit of two bushels a day and open all areas to dredging.

The Shellfish Advisory Committee recommended, and the Selectmen approved, to open the 2009-2010 Oyster season on Tisbury Great Pond December 2, 2009 with a limit of one bushel Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. *Please refer to the 2009 map of Tisbury Great Pond for restrictions.

The Shellfish Advisory Committee recommended, and the Selectmen approved, that Tisbury Great Pond be closed to all oystering on March 18, 2010.

The Shellfish Advisory Committee recommended, and the Selectmen approved, opening Squibnocket Pond to oyster fishing Monday, March 22, 2010 at two level bushels a day Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.

Shellfish permits are available by applying in person at the Chilmark Town Hall with the Assistant Executive Secretary or Executive Secretary Monday thru Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. June thru September Shellfish Permits can be purchased at the Beach Sticker office seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Recreational Shellfish Permit Fees*

Resident Senior (over 70):

NO FEE

Non-Resident Senior (over 70):

$25.00

Resident Family:

$25.00

Non-Resident:

$50.00

Non-Resident 1 week permit

$25.00

Commercial Shellfish Permit Fees*

Residential/Commercial:

$150.00

Quahog/Mussels:

$50.00

Scallop:

$75.00

Clam:

$50.00

Oyster:

$75.00

Eel:

$15.00

Aquaculture Permit

$25.00

*Must apply with the Executive Secretary in addition to having MA State License